Seven Days in Sicily Itinerary
Northen Sicily
Having explored countless corners of Italy, I can confidently say that Northern Sicily is one of the island’s most captivating areas. Framed by the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea and the dramatic peaks of the Madonie mountains, this region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, authentic villages, and a slower rhythm of life. From charming coastal towns like Cefalù with its Norman cathedral, to hidden gems such as the Gole di Tiberio and picturesque hilltop villages, Northern Sicily reveals a side of the island that feels both timeless and genuine. It’s a place where rugged landscapes meet centuries of history and tradition, delivering an unforgettable experience far from the typical tourist trails.
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Practical Information
Location
Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, is a world of contrasts and endless discoveries. Just off the “toe” of Italy’s boot, it blends layers of ancient history with a vibrant, living culture. Here, bustling cities meet quiet hilltop villages, golden beaches give way to volcanic slopes, and the sea stretches toward clusters of enchanting smaller islands—each with its own character.
Transportation & Exploration
✈️ By Plane: Northern Sicily is mainly served by Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, located in the northwest near the island’s capital. It offers regular connections to major Italian hubs like Rome and Milan, as well as to many European cities.
👉 You can book your plane ticket here🔗.
🛳 By Ferry: You can also reach Sicily by ferry from mainland Italy (Naples, Reggio Calabria, Villa San Giovanni) or other Mediterranean destinations.
⚠️ I wouldn’t recommend it – it’s costly and takes a long time.
🚗 By Car: To truly experience Sicily, renting a car is highly recommended. A car gives you the freedom to explore remote beaches, hilltop villages, and natural wonders. That said, driving in Sicily can be an adventure in itself—locals drive with passion (and sometimes like crazy!), but honestly, it’s part of the charm. Avoid driving in the city centers of Palermo, which can feel like a jungle. Instead, look for monitored parking areas on Google Maps; they cost a little extra, but it’s worth it to leave your car there (watched) and explore on foot.
👉 You can book your car on Booking🔗 or on Rentalcars🔗.
⚠️ Parking can be tricky, especially in coastal towns. Here’s what you need to know:
- White stripes: Free parking, but check for time limits—these are always indicated on nearby signs.
- Blue stripes: Paid parking. Display your ticket clearly on the windshield, and watch for any time restrictions.
- Yellow stripes: Reserved for people with disabilities, police, or other special uses—avoid parking here.
- Blue + yellow stripes: Reserved for residents. Unless you have a special permit from your hotel, you cannot park here. In many coastal towns, these spaces—and sometimes even other areas—are often reserved exclusively for residents, so be especially careful.
🚆 By Train & Bus: If you prefer not to drive, you can rely on Trenitalia for train connections between major cities (e.g., Palermo–Catania, Catania–Messina). Buses often cover routes that trains don’t, such as smaller inland towns. Tickets are affordable and available at stations or online.
⚠️ While trains and buses do exist, getting around with them can be challenging. They’re slow and prone to delays.
🚶♂️ On Foot: Sicilian cities are best explored on foot, especially their historic centers filled with lively markets, ornate churches, and narrow streets brimming with character. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready to wander.
Weather
Sicily enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters:
- ☀️ Summer (June to August): Hot and sunny, with temperatures often between 28°C and 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Perfect for beaches, but be prepared for heat in inland areas.
- 🍂 Autumn (September to November): Warm and pleasant, 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Fewer tourists and plenty of cultural festivals make this a fantastic time to visit.
- ❄️ Winter (December to February): Mild, 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F). Snow is rare except on Mount Etna, where you can even go skiing!
- 🌸 Spring (March to May): Lovely weather, 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), wildflowers in bloom, and ideal for sightseeing without the summer crowds.
Accommodation
Sicily offers everything from luxury seaside resorts and boutique hotels in historic palazzos to family-run B&Bs and agriturismi (farm stays).
👉 On my trip, I chose campgrounds because I could bring my own tent and car, giving me the freedom to explore at my own pace. If you love being surrounded by nature, this is an amazing way to experience the area:
While in Palermo, I stayed at Domus Coralla B&B Racconti di Viaggio🔗
Sicily trip itinerary
Palermo
Palermo is a chaotic yet fascinating city where history, cultures, and flavors intertwine. From Arab-Norman architecture to bustling street markets and grand baroque churches, every corner tells a different story. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss when visiting Palermo:
- Palatine Chapel🔗 (Cappella Palatina): a jewel of Norman-Arab-Byzantine art.
- Palermo Cathedral🔗: an architectural masterpiece blending centuries of styles.
- Teatro Massimo🔗: Italy’s largest opera house.
- Local markets: Palermo is home to three vibrant markets worth visiting:
- Ballarò🔗 – the oldest and most lively market, famous for its colorful food stalls, street food, and authentic Sicilian atmosphere.
- Vucciria🔗 – once a traditional market, today it’s also a nightlife hotspot, known for street food, bars, and a vibrant social scene.
- Mercato del Capo🔗 – a maze of narrow alleys filled with fresh produce, fish, and spices, offering a true taste of local daily life.
✨ Vucciria was probably my favorite — it felt the biggest and most vibrant — but honestly, all three markets are worth experiencing.
- Quattro Canti🔗: The iconic Baroque crossroads at the very heart of Palermo, where four grand façades decorated with fountains, statues, and intricate details represent the four seasons, the Spanish kings, and the city’s patron saints. It’s one of the most photographed and symbolic spots in the city.
🍽️ Palermo is a paradise for food lovers, with flavors that reflect its mix of cultures and history. Street food is king here — you can’t miss trying arancine (crispy rice balls with delicious fillings), panelle (chickpea fritters). For the adventurous, there’s stigghiola (grilled lamb intestines) or pane ca’ meusa (a soft bread stuffed with spleen and cheese).
👉 If you want to sample all the best local specialties in one go, I highly suggest the Palermo: Street Food Walking Tour with Local Guide & Tasting🔗 — it’s the perfect way to eat your way through Palermo!
⚠️ Palermo isn’t the safest city in Italy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. It’s just good to be aware that pickpocketing is more common here than in other Italian cities, and some neighborhoods are best avoided. I recommend choosing accommodation close to the city center and, if you have a car, avoid leaving it parked on the street overnight. I personally kept mine in a monitored parking lot🔗, which gave me peace of mind.
👉 I stayed at B&B La Tua Dimora🔗
San Vito Lo Capo
Tucked away on the northwestern coast of Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo is a slice of paradise that feels like it belongs in a postcard. Famous for its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the dramatic backdrop of the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, this charming town is the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Sicilian charm. What to see in San Vito Lo Capo:
- San Vito Lo Capo Town🔗: A charming coastal town with colorful streets, local markets, and traditional Sicilian vibes.
- San Vito Lo Capo Beach🔗: The town’s iconic white sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
- Cala Billeci🔗: A lesser-known cala, still within the town of San Vito, but definitely worth a visit.
- Cala Mancina🔗: Cala Mancina isn’t in San Vito Lo Capo itself, but just a short distance away. This wild, untouched cove offers a more rugged and natural experience.
⚠️ San Vito Lo Capo is more than just a destination—it’s a strategic base for exploring the surrounding area, where the true beauty of this region unfolds.
Monte Cofano Nature Reserve
Just a short distance from San Vito Lo Capo, the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve awaits—a wild, untouched paradise that feels worlds away. With dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves around every corner, it’s a nature lover’s dream. Below, you’ll discover the must-see calette that make this area truly unforgettable:
✨ Don’t forget to bring a mask for snorkeling—these waters are full of colorful fish!
✨ Sunsets here are truly magical. Find a cala you love, settle in, and watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon.
⚠️ Parking is available at each cala and is free of charge
👉 You can also explore the area on a boat tour🔗, enjoying a different perspective of the coastline.
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
Just a short drive from San Vito Lo Capo, the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro is a protected coastal reserve that feels like stepping into an untouched paradise. Stretching along rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and beach seekers alike.
Below, you’ll discover the must-see calette:
⚠️ The Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro has two main entrances. The Scopello entrance on the southern side allows visitors to start their hike from the village of Scopello and explore trails leading north along the coast, giving access to coves like Cala Mazzo di Sciacca. On the northern side, the San Vito Lo Capo entrance is the most popular, with trails heading south toward stunning spots such as Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo and Cala Marinella. The coves in the reserve are not accessible by car—all visitors must hike along the scenic coastal trails to reach these hidden beaches, making the journey part of the adventure.
👉 Alternatively, you can explore the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro by boat🔗, which is a great option during the hot summer months when hiking along the trails can be challenging.
Erice
Perched 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level, Erice feels like a town frozen in time. With its cobbled streets, ancient stone walls, and panoramic views of the Sicilian coastline, it’s a place where history and charm meet in every corner. What to See in Erice:
- Castello di Venere🔗: Explore the ruins of this Norman castle, built on the site of an ancient temple to Venus. From here, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the sea below—a photographer’s paradise.
- Old Town: Lose yourself in narrow, winding alleys lined with stone houses and quaint squares. Every corner is perfect for strolling, snapping photos, or simply soaking up the medieval atmosphere.
- Chiesa Madre🔗 (Mother Church): This Gothic church is a centerpiece of the town, with beautiful architecture and a serene interior that reflects Erice’s rich history.
- Pastry Shops: No visit is complete without tasting the famous “genovesi”, delicate pastries filled with creamy custard or ricotta, a true Sicilian delight that locals have perfected over centuries. You can find the originals at Antica Pasticceria da Michele🔗 or Antica Pasticceria del Convento🔗.
⚠️ Parking is not available in Erice’s old town, but you can leave your car in the parking areas located along the road leading up to the town.
Trapani
Trapani is a captivating mix of sea views, history, and unique landscapes. This port city on Sicily’s western coast charms visitors with its baroque architecture, vibrant old town, and natural wonders nearby. What to See in Trapani:
- Salt Pans of Trapani and Paceco🔗: A surreal landscape of shimmering salt flats dotted with traditional windmills.
✨ The sunsets here are unforgettable, with fiery skies reflecting on the water. You can purchase your tour ticket here🔗.
👉 Another popular option is the guided 'Trapani: Salt Pans Sunset Tour and Flamingo Walk'🔗, where you can admire the salt pans glowing at sunset while spotting graceful flamingos in their natural habitat.
- Old Town: Wander along Corso Vittorio Emanuele🔗, the city’s main street, lined with elegant palaces and baroque churches. Don’t miss the lively piazzas and local cafés.
- Torre di Ligny🔗: This 17th-century watchtower sits dramatically on a rocky point, offering sweeping sea views and housing a small archaeological museum.
🍽️Beyond its history and sea views, Trapani shines for its gastronomy. The city is full of excellent restaurants, and for an authentic taste of local cuisine, I recommend trying AL VICOLETTO Ristorantino Tipico🔗 and CANTINA SICILIANA🔗.
Favignana
Just a short ferry ride from Trapani, Favignana is the largest of the Egadi Islands and a must-visit for sea lovers. The island is world-renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, often compared to the Caribbean, and for its relaxed, slow-paced atmosphere.
🚲 You can reach Favignana by taking the official ferry lines departing from Trapani or Marsala. Once on the island, the most popular way to explore is by renting an e-bike, which makes it easy to reach the famous beaches since the island is relatively small and flat. Ferry tickets can be purchased online or directly at the port.
⛵ Another great option is to join a boat tour from Trapani or Marsala. This allows you not only to discover Favignana’s hidden calette but also to explore the nearby island of Levanzo, a lesser-known but equally beautiful gem of the Egadi archipelago.
✨ I personally chose to take a boat tour, since during high season the island gets quite crowded. It turned out to be one of the best boat trips I’ve ever had! The water was incredibly clear — I could see countless fish, even in deeper spots, which was just magical. The tour also took us to hidden coves and to the island of Levanzo, which felt wonderfully wild and untouched. 👉 Here🔗 you find the tour I picked.
🍽️ Favignana may be a small island, but its food is packed with flavor. Seafood dominates the menu here, and for good reason — fresh tuna, swordfish, and local fish are caught daily and prepared in simple yet delicious ways. I can't recommend enough Non solo Formaggi Panini Favignana🔗, a small camioncino (food truck) serving panini packed with typical Favignana ingredients — think fresh tuna, local cheeses, and sun-ripened vegetables. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, authentic bite while exploring the island.
Cefalù
Cefalù is one of Sicily’s most picturesque coastal towns, where medieval charm meets a laid-back seaside vibe. With its golden beach, winding alleys, and dramatic backdrop of La Rocca, it’s no surprise this small town is among the island’s top destinations. What to see in Cefalù:
- Cefalù Cathedral🔗 (Duomo di Cefalù): A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 12th-century Norman architecture and stunning Byzantine mosaics of Christ Pantocrator.
- The Old Town: Lose yourself in narrow medieval streets, lined with shops, cafes, and traditional trattorias.
- Cefalù Beach🔗: A long sandy stretch right next to the old town, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- Spiaggia Kalura🔗: Spiaggia della Kalura is a lesser-known beach, but a wonderful spot for swimming, with crystal-clear water and plenty of colorful fish.
Castelnuovo
Castelnuovo is a charming Sicilian village where time seems to stand still. Tucked away in the countryside, it’s surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills, making it a peaceful retreat far from the tourist crowds. With its cobbled streets, small piazzas, and warm local hospitality, Castelnuovo offers visitors an authentic taste of traditional Sicilian life. What to Do in Castelnuovo:
- Historic Center: Stroll through narrow lanes lined with stone houses and soak in the timeless atmosphere.
- Castelnuovo’s Famous Panettone: A must-do for food lovers! Castelnuovo is renowned across Sicily for its artisanal panettone, a sweet bread typically associated with Christmas but here enjoyed year-round. Local pastry chefs prepare it with incredible skill, using high-quality ingredients and often adding unique Sicilian touches like pistachios, citrus, or almonds. And for the full experience, don’t just eat it plain—panettone here is best enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream, turning it into an unforgettable indulgence.
🍽️ Stop at a family-run trattoria or a local bakery to savor authentic Sicilian flavors. The trattorie in Castelnuovo are amazing, whether you’re enjoying a relaxed aperitivo or sitting down for a hearty dinner out.
✨ Castelnuovo is often skipped by tourists, but it’s worth visiting to see a different side of Sicily. The life here is vibrant, authentic, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Gole di Tiberio
Hidden in the Madonie Park, not far from San Mauro Castelverde, the Gole di Tiberio (Tiberius Gorges) are one of Sicily’s most underrated natural wonders. This dramatic canyon, carved by the Pollina River, stretches for about 400 meters (1,300 ft) with limestone cliffs towering up to 50 meters (160 ft).
☀️In summer, you can book a guided experience and explore the gorge with small inflatable boats (gommoni), gliding through narrow passages and discovering caves along the way.
🌸In spring, when the river is full and powerful, rafting offers an even more adventurous way to experience its emerald waters. Beyond its natural beauty, the gorge is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and steeped in local legends, making it a must-visit for travelers who love mixing outdoor adventure with a touch of history.
👉 You can book your experience in this area:
Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!